Whose Approval Am I After?

Let's face it, we are all approval addicts.  We want to be accepted, approved, and validated.  The two big questions we must ask are "Where do we go to get the approval we so desperately want?" and "What is the cost of gaining that approval?"

Most of the time we look to other people for this approval and much of the time this will lead us to compromise a conviction, change our beliefs (to fit in), or be manipulated by the fear and insecurity of losing someone's approval.

The Bible warns in Proverbs 29:25 that "fear of man will prove to be a snare [a trap] but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." In other words, only in God do we find the approval, acceptance, and security our hearts want and need.  And the good news is this ... that because of Jesus we have God's approval and acceptance!!

So how does this shake out in our lives?

• It means that we can obsess and stress over what others think about us and therefore, forget what God thinks about us.


• It means criticism must be filtered through God's Word more than the sting of the critic.


• It means I can labor endlessly in a futile attempt to please everyone or I can rest peacefully in the pleasure of God's unfailing love.


• It means that sometimes relationships will be lost as you follow God's leading and pursue His mission.


• It means that your source of approval will ultimately be the authority in your life.

As a young church planter/pastor, many times I stressed over what people thought of me, the sermon, our church, etc.  I was easily shaken and upset.  People's opinions & comments were where I sought approval causing me to make some mistakes, forget who I am in Christ, and at times disregard the voice of God.

To overcome this I had to develop some basic principles, and here's what they are:

• I must preach "the whole counsel of God" and do it "in season and out" which won't always be popular or well-received.


• I must have sources of wise counsel and accountability in my life whose voices I can trust as either encouragement or constructive criticism (Thankfully, I have incredible Elders, a staff that seeks to hear from God, and a godly wife).


• The bottom line for me is to obey God.  Beth & I never would have started Rock Bridge if we took a poll or listened to our critics (and there were/are a lot).


• I will listen to critics and what people have to say, seek to learn, practice humility, but those voices do not have the final say ... God does.  Therefore, all voices must be filtered by God's Word, godly counsel, and prayer.


• I will readily admit when I am wrong, sin against another, or make a mistake and seek forgiveness.


• I am who God says I am, period (I Corinthians 15:10).